Today's queer small press review!
Maryann reviews "Magic, Monsters and Me" by Timoteo Tong, The Magicals' Alliance Book One:
"At the age of fifteen, Austin Kang Jr. lives a semi-normal teenage life. His parents, Cecilia and Austin Sr., are still in love, and Austin hopes one day it will be the same for him with a special someone... Elijah Delomary is sixteen. He yearns to have a normal life, but he’s also an Encantreino... Tong's imagination shines through in Magic Monsters & Me. The world-building is amazing... entertaining and fun with a little danger, plenty of action, heartbreak, growing pains and first time love. This is a great start to the series, and I can't wait to see what Tong has planned next for Elijah and Austin!"
Full review
Tong’s imagination shines through in Magic Monsters & Me. The world-building is amazing, especially for the time Elijah spends at the summer camp. I really enjoyed the fabulous descriptions of his new world of magic and monsters, and the way Tong blends languages and cultures makes this novel outstanding.
I really liked Austin and Elijah as a young teenage couple dealing with coming out, their sexuality, homophobia, bullying and Old Earth rules. The dysfunction in Elijah’s family, especially when it comes to parents, provides a great contrast to Austin’s loving family. Elijah is under so much stress from the burden of his family name and responsibilities. Austin is a beautiful soul – funny, carefree, understanding, and is the perfect support for Elijah.
I also really loved Devlina – she’s wicked and funny, and becomes an ally for Elijah. She’s also has some very important advice.
I highly recommend Magic, Monsters & Me. It’s the first book I’ve read by Timoteo Tong, and it’s entertaining and fun with a little danger, plenty of action, heartbreak, growing pains and first time love. This is a great start to the series, and I can’t wait to see what Tong has planned next for Elijah and Austin!
I highly recommend Magic, Monsters & Me… it’s entertaining and fun with a little danger, plenty of action, heartbreak, growing pains and first time love.
This is a great start to the series, and I can’t wait to see what Tong has planned next for Elijah and Austin!
Comentários